Published 05/12/2020 | Reading Time 4 min 42 sec
LOS ANGELES, Cali. (BlackNews.com) — Author and entertainment executive Michael Stradford pens the first book on the style of legendary jazz musician, Miles Davis, often called ‘the Picasso of music’.
Noteworthy are exclusive observations from luminaries such as Quincy Jones, Lenny Kravitz, Issey Miyake, Bryan Ferry and former wife Frances Davis among others. Set to be released on May 12, 2020, this historic book examines Miles Davis’ fashion sensibility as yet another extension of his creative canvas.
An eye-opening and often surprising journey through the fashion sensibilities of the musical genius, MilesStyle: The Fashion of Miles Davis explores the unique, trendsetting and bold influence Mr. Davis had on mainstream popular culture, both onstage and off. Once hailed as “one of the best-dressed men of the twentieth century” by both GQ and Esquire magazines, Michael Stradford’s tome recounts the celebrated icon, Miles Davis, fashion journey with taste, beauty and class.
“Miles Davis is one of the most important cultural voices of the last hundred years. I’m excited to add a new chapter to an already incredible creative legacy,” remarked Michael Stradford.
Beautifully designed with a choice selection of classic photos included, easy to read narrative and enjoyable stories, Stradford’s book illuminates the fashion style of one of the most misunderstood musicians of the twentieth century. Those who really knew Miles Davis loved him. Those who were outside of the periphery of Miles Davis intimate association misunderstood him.
Tracing Miles Davis’ life focusing on his creative style, Stradford captures the essence of jazz music most romanticized artist.
MilesStyle: The Fashion of Miles is elegant in tone and remarkably written. Stradford weaves stories, as told by the book’s contributors, of Miles Davis’ cool which are defined by his exquisite style and poignant music. The scintillating stories throughout the book are captivating, but yet tasteful. The book is a must-have for Miles Davis’ fans, friends and admirers. And, for those who are not aware of this historic and artistic gentleman’s life, this book is unparallel in its viewpoint chronicling Miles Davis’ style.
The book is available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
About Michael Stradford
Michael Stradford is a multi-decade entertainment executive. Beginning his entertainment career as a radio announcer in the Midwest, he successfully programmed radio stations in several major markets, including KMJM, Majic 108 in St. Louis and KMJQ, Majic 102 in Houston. He capped a rewarding broadcasting career by launching KKBT, 92.3 The Beat in Los Angeles, taking the former classical music station from a ranking of 33 to number six in less than a year.
Unbeknownst to him during that time music legend Quincy Jones had been following his career and plucked him from radio to become VP of A&R for Jones’ Qwest Records, a joint venture with parent company Warner Bros. While at Qwest, Stradford steered the careers of Tevin Campbell, The Winans, Keith Washington, Ray Charles and more.
Stradford transitioned from the music industry to Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, creating a department that produced supplemental DVD content (documentaries, commentaries, deleted scenes etc.) for Sony Pictures theatrically released films. He also did international movie acquisitions for the division and ultimately oversaw the creation of original content at Sony-owned online outlet Crackle.com.
Upcoming books include Black to the Movies, a pseudo memoir disguised as a collection of movie reviews, and a coffee table book on Steve Holland, the world’s greatest illustration male model. He has written reviews, profiles and interviews for several magazines as well as running his own pop culture blog, LookingForTheCool.com, with a podcast of the same name currently in production.
Stradford lives in wedded bliss with his tolerant wife Sybil and their two equally tolerant dogs, Raj and Teddy.
